Socorro County

Job Description

 

 

GENERAL PURPOSE

 

Performs a variety of entry level law enforcement duties related to the security, safety, order, operation and maintenance of county jail facilities, including incarceration and detention of prisoners.

 

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

 

Works under the close to general supervision of the Corrections Captain, Sergeant or Detention Administrator.

 

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

 

None.

 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

 

1.        Corrections: Receives ongoing on-the-job training; attends academy training sessions receiving instruction in the duties, responsibilities, liabilities and physical environment associated with the correction officer functions; assists with processing of inmate grievances.

 

2.        Supervises inmates in county jail in accordance with established policies, regulations and procedures while assuming responsibility for all needs (physical, medical, etc.) of the prisoners during detention; issues medications as prescribed by physicians.

 

3.        Performs various tasks associated with inmate admissions; books prisoners; reviews offense status and classification (violent, non-violent, etc.) to determine appropriate level of security and confinement; performs releases and required by court order; conducts strip searches.

 

4.        Observes conduct and behavior of inmates to prevent disturbances and escapes; searches inmates and cells for contraband articles; patrols assigned areas for evidence of forbidden activities, infractions of rules and unsatisfactory attitudes or adjustment of prisoners, and reports observations to supervisor; performs inmate supervision during recreation and meal periods.

 

5.        Inspects locks, grills, doors and gates for tampering; conducts cell “shake-downs” and inspections; employs various forms of discipline as needed to maintain order among prisoners, if necessary.

 

6.        Supervises prisoners in transit between jail, courtroom, prisons, work details, or other points, traveling by automobile or public transportation as required; locks prisoner(s) in cell after searching for weapons, valuables or drugs.

 

7.        Secures all valuables and/or belongings and follows standard procedures designated for the disposing or maintaining of the same; orders and serves meals to prisoners and provides or obtains medical aid if needed; administers medication as prescribed by doctor.

 

8.        Prepares arrest records including reports, bookings, releases, fingerprinting and mug shot photography (identifying the prisoner and charge against him/her); assists in the maintenance of various records and information reporting materials and data base.

 

9.        Supervises trustees or prisoners on general work details inside and outside of jail; performs general maintenance of jail facility and environs; repairs safety and security devices; cleans and sanitizes cells; maintains inmate recreation area and equipment.

 

10.     May participate in extradition transports; moves inmates to and from various interstate locations.

 

11.     Performs other related duties as assigned.

 

Detention Officer I, page 2

 

 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

 

1.             Education and Experience:

 

A.     Graduation from high school plus successful completion of Academy training leading to the acquisition of a Correctional Officer Certification;

AND

B.     No experience necessary.

 

2.             Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

 

Some knowledge of the fundamentals of proper search and seizure; federal, state and local laws and regulations related to jail activities; dispatch communication equipment; basic principles of psychology and sociology; elementary first aid techniques and procedures.

 

Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing; establish and maintain working relationships with inmates, the public and other departments; restrain physically violent prisoners; react quickly to various situations under conditions of stress.

 

3.             Special Qualifications

 

Must have successfully completed the Corrections Academy and be certified as a Correctional Officer.

Must work on-call 24 hours.

Must receive 40 hours annual training to maintain certification.

Must pass a background investigation.

Must possess a valid New Mexico Driver’s License and undergo periodic State DMV license status verification.

                Must pass FEMA/NIMS and ICS courses as required for the position, within a time frame designated by administration

 

4.             Work Environment:

 

                Functions of the position generally performed in a controlled environment.  Occasional travel.  Many functions of the work pose high degree of hazard uncertainty.  Physical readiness and conditioning may be a condition of job retention.  Various levels of mental application required, i.e., memory for details, emotional stability, discriminating thinking, creative problem solving.  Continuous use of motor skills. Periodic exposure to the presence of blood borne or airborne pathogens.